What component in an RV can be damaged by nontoxic antifreeze if not bypassed during winterization?

The water heater anode rod is specifically designed to protect the water heater tank from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements in the water. When nontoxic antifreeze is introduced into the water heater without properly bypassing it during winterization, the antifreeze can cause damage to the anode rod and the inner lining of the tank. This is because the antifreeze is not meant to come into contact with these components and could interfere with the protective function of the anode rod.

Bypassing the water heater during winterization prevents antifreeze from entering the tank, thereby safeguarding the anode rod and extending the life of the water heater system. It is important for RV owners and technicians to ensure the bypass is properly set to avoid potential damage caused by the antifreeze when preparing the RV for winter storage.